Zipcars are not owned by individuals but made available to members for ride-sharing, a concept popularized in Europe that reduces traffic and carbon emissions. Members pay modest monthly dues and get a card that unlocks and starts the cars, which can be driven at an hourly rate. Smith College introduced two Zipcars in 2006. Because of demand, that fleet has grown to six. As an incentive, the city reduced the number of parking spaces that would have been required at Ford Hall, the college's science center.

“Zipcar complements our efforts to improve parking, transit, bicycling, and pedestrian facilities," said Narkewicz, the former chairman of the city's Transportation and Parking Commission. "For some of our residents and workers, Zipcar will reduce the need to own a car or own a second (or third) family car.”

The two new Zipcars will be available by the end of the summer in the parking lot directly behind City Hall. Members also have access to more than 10,000 Zipcars in hundreds of cities and towns around the world.